News, 3/2/2012 | Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Inauguration of President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö

Sauli Väinämö Niinistö, the 12th President of the Republic of Finland, was inaugurated on Thursday 1 March 2012. At a plenary session of Parliament, President Niinistö made the solemn declaration specified in section 56 of the Constitution of Finland, affirming that in the execution of his office as President he will sincerely and faithfully observe the Constitution and laws of the Republic and to the best of his ability promote the success of the Finnish people.

In his inauguration speech, President Niinistö emphasised the importance of integrity and stability in society. He expressed his wish that Finland will have the courage to grow. “We need courage to make our economy grow. It is my desire to contribute to the systematic enhancement of Finnish expertise and work and their success worldwide. I also want to encourage the new rise of the entrepreneur spirit. Growth must respect human and environmental constraints.”

He also said that we need courage to grow, both as individuals and as a nation. “We need courage to develop our sense of justice. It is my desire to contribute to a Finland where integrity prevails, where every human being is important and where everyone has their place.”

In the area of foreign policy, President Niinistö underlined the importance of co-operation between the branches of government and of continuity, stability and looking to the future. “The values important to us are fairness, strengthening sustainable development, and supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

Congratulations from diplomats and top tier of government

Upon leaving Parliament, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö inspected the honour guard in front of Parliament House.

Thereafter, President Niinistö and former President Halonen went to the Presidential Palace, where the Presidents and their spouses greeted citizens from the balcony.

At the Presidential Palace representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Government and top government bodies, as well as senior government officials, first greeted President Tarja Halonen and then President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö.

The congratulations book is open to the public on Thursday 1 March from 10.00 to 16.00 in the foyer of the Main Guard Post at Mariankatu 1 and on Friday 2 March from 10.00 to 16.00 in the foyer of the Presidential Palace at Mariankatu 2.